responsible pet ownership

This Friday is Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day! While some people may not think the wrinkly faces, stocky build, and slobbery mouth match their idea of the peak of physical specimen,...

Since this sort of “Freaky Friday” swap only happens in Hollywood, let’s look at the reality of pet ownership – yes, it’s fun to have a beloved companion animal. But ownership also requires a deliberate awareness of the responsibilities we have for our pets.

Deciding what attributes are best for your family is important because different small animals have their own unique behaviors.  For example, hamsters and guinea pigs interact differently with children compared to a gerbil or chinchilla.

While August 22^nd may be the official National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, every day can be a "Take Your Cat the the Vet Day" because even though your cat may look healthy, there are some common health issues that aren’t always easy to see.

Recently, I asked Marshall Meyers, Senior Advisor and former CEO of PIJAC and a partner at Meyers & Alterman here in Washington, D.C., to pause and reflect on how PIJAC and its advocacy on behalf of pets and our industry have evolved over the years. Marshall’s experience confronting our industry’s most pressing issues predates PIJAC’s incorporation in 1971.

This was the 6th Annual St. Puppy’s Day, and my first. Hosted by Pinnacle Pet, it’s one of several events held around the country each year offering educational forums for breeders on animal healthcare, breeding best practices and kennel design and maintenance.

Scott Hardin—a biologist, expert on exotic and invasive species and proud owner of a ball python named Ricky (as in Lucy’s husband)—has the kind of insight that comes only with years of experience working at the intersection of science, environmental stewardship and public policy, balancing conservation of fish and wildlife with responsible pet ownership. 

Petland knows that you can’t rush the sales process. Anyone preparing to take home a first pet needs time to understand what it takes to care for even a guinea pig or hermit crab.

In getting up to speed on all of the issues around responsible reptile ownership, I am lucky to have as my teachers leading reptile specialists right here in the PIJAC family. When it comes to reptiles, one such authority is John Mack, founder and CEO of Reptiles by Mack and one of the world’s leading experts on breeding and keeping reptiles.